Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release

You can update your QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release manually or automatically. Turn on Automatic Update to allow QuickBooks to download the latest updates, whether or not the program is running. If you wish to turn this feature off, we recommend manually updating QuickBooks once a month.

Note:Updating to a new release (example: from QuickBooks 2017 R3P to R5P) is different from
upgrading to a new version (example: from QuickBooks Desktop 2017 to QuickBooks Desktop 2018).

Find out if you have the latest release patch for your QuickBooks Desktop

ULIP (Ultra Light Patch) is a feature in QuickBooks Desktop where minor critical fixes can be delivered without the need for an actual release patch. The patch release process will continue as is (R releases such as 2017 R5).

Use the same steps as Option 2 to apply the critical fixes. Ensure Critical Fixes is selected before you download the updates.

Automatic update

Option 1: Download and install automatic update NOW

From the QuickBooks Help menu, select Update QuickBooks.

On the Update QuickBooks window, go to the Update Now tab. You can ignore the table because you don't need to change anything.

(Optional) Put a check mark in the box Reset Update box to erase all previous update downloads.Note: This may increase the amount of time needed for the update.

Select Get Updates.

Restart QuickBooks. When prompted, accept the option to install the new release.

Option 2: Download automatically in the future

Go to the Help menu, then select Update QuickBooks.

On the Update QuickBooks window, go to the Options tab.

To turn on automatic updates, select the radio button for Yes.

(Optional) To share automatic downloads with other computers on your network, select the radio button for Yes.

Select Close. QuickBooks will now download the update when it is released.